Nanoparticles and Their Impact on Epigenetic Mechanisms: Insights and Implications

Abstract

Nanoparticles have been investigated for extensive applications across scientific disciplines, including the medical field. Despite extensive research aimed at enhancing the understanding of their intracellular behavior and the potential genomic side effects of nanoparticles, scientists have paid relatively little attention to nanoparticle-induced epigenetic changes. This oversight is surprising given the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in shaping cellular function and destiny. Epigenetic mechanisms include the procedures that modulate DNA or RNA and influence the production of proteins as well as the extent to which they are produced. Each cell type demonstrates unique epigenetic profiles. Epigenetic changes can disrupt normal cellular functions, potentially leading to devastating outcomes. Investigating how nanoparticles impact these epigenetic mechanisms provides valuable insights into their safe and effective use in medical applications. This review provides a detailed overview of how nanoparticles enter cells and the impact of nanoparticles on epigenetic mechanisms, focusing on current related studies on different types of cells.